In this highly fascinating book, Scott Hahn, a former Presbyterian minister who converted to Roman Catholicism, argues very persuasively that the key to understanding the liturgy of the Catholic Mass is actually the Book of Revelation. Surveying the liturgical and cultic motifs of the Book of Revelation, including the high priest, priests, vestments, altar, sacrifice, consecrated celibacy, lamp stands, incense, penitence, the sign of the cross, liturgical meals, the Gloria, the Alleluia, the Lamb of God, the prominence of Mary, intercessions of the saints and angels, readings from scripture, the priesthood of the faithful, and the marriage supper of the Lamb, Hahn points out how all these motifs can be found in the Catholic Mass. He goes on to argue that the liturgies of the Early Church were actually rooted in and informed by the Book of Revelation. Hahn concludes that when Catholics participate in the Mass, they participate in the liturgy that takes place in heaven. The Mass opens heaven to them and ushers them into the heavenly sanctuary. I would wholeheartedly commend this book to my fellow evangelicals. There is much in this book to inform and enrich our understanding and practice of Holy Communion, especially in the Reformed tradition.
